Enrique Cruz

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #11 prospect in 2003
  Cruz was the first pick in the major league Rule 5 draft at the Winter Meetings. Though he needs at-bats at this stage of his career and probably won't get many if he sticks with Milwaukee this year, he could factor into the Brewers' second-base mix after they dumped Ron Belliard and don't have an obvious frontrunner for the job. Primarily a third baseman and shortstop in the Mets organization, Cruz had his best full season last year in high Class A. He's on the verge of becoming a real threat with the bat as he continues to grow into his body, though he has yet to show much power or aptitude for drawing walks. He's an above-average athlete with good range to his left and a plus arm. He made 33 errors in 2002, many because of poor footwork that resulted in errant throws. Following his strong performance in instructional league, the Mets planned on using Cruz as an everyday shortstop in Double-A. Milwaukee seems determined to retain him by keeping him on its roster all season, and New York likely will snatch him back if that doesn't happen.
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  Ranked New York Mets #13 prospect in 2002
  The Mets no longer are sure what they have in Cruz. Signed for a lofty $400,000, he has been slow to make adjustments. He struggled mightily at Capital City during the early stages of 2000 before being sent to Kingsport, where managers rated him the Appalachian League's second-best prospect. Cruz returned to the South Atlantic League last year and again had difficulty finding his rhythm at the plate and in the field. He got off to a slow start and hit a soft .251. The former shortstop also didn't look smooth in the field while committing 30 errors at the hot corner. The Mets are remaining patient with Cruz, realizing that he's still quite young and has impressive raw tools. He has an excellent arm, above-average speed and promising power potential, though his maturing body has yet to produce extra-base hits on a consistent basis. That may come, however, once Cruz gains a better grasp of the strike zone and gets stronger. His performance in spring training will determine whether he moves up to St. Lucie or reports to Capital City for the third straight season.
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  Ranked New York Mets #6 prospect in 2001
  Cruz' father played professionally in the Dominican. The climb from the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League proved to be a little much, so he was demoted from Capital City to Rookie-level Kingsport. He rebounded to become the No. 2 prospect in the Appalachian League. Cruz received a $400,000 bonus because he has a major league average arm and plus power potential. He's not as strong defensively at shortstop as Jose Reyes--who occupied the position most of the season at Kingsport--but he has good defensive tools. Cruz draws a healthy amount of walks. Mets officials aren't sure which position best suits Cruz, so he'll continue to play shortstop and third base. He has started growing into his body and becoming more coordinated and balanced in the field. He has been slow to make adjustments, but he was more coachable in 2000. He'll need to make more consistent contact. He's ready for Capital City, take two. By the end of the year the Mets will know a lot more about his position and his adaptability.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked National League #2 prospect in 2000
  The No. 7 prospect in the GCL last year, Cruz made the jump to the Class A South Atlantic League to open 2000, but came down to Kingsport for a fresh start when the Appy League season opened in June. He spent the majority of his time at third base because teammate Jose Reyes was the class of the league defensively at short. Cruz showed good hands and a strong arm. What excited managers most was Cruz’s ability to hit the ball hard consistently. He should continue developing power as he grows. "He might be the best player in the league," Elizabethton manager Jeff Carter said. "He can handle the bat. He has good hands, a good arm. He can run."
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  Ranked Florida Complex League #7 prospect in 1999
  The lone Met to crack the top 10, Cruz hit game-winning home runs in both games of the playoff series against the Rangers. He has a short, quick stroke, stays inside the ball well and should become a legitimate power hitter once he fills out his upper half. He does everything well except run. "He'll be a third baseman down the road because he can really swing the bat," Mets manager John Stephenson said.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  The No. 7 prospect in the GCL last year, Cruz made the jump to the Class A South Atlantic League to open 2000, but came down to Kingsport for a fresh start when the Appy League season opened in June. He spent the majority of his time at third base because teammate Jose Reyes was the class of the league defensively at short. Cruz showed good hands and a strong arm. What excited managers most was Cruz’s ability to hit the ball hard consistently. He should continue developing power as he grows. "He might be the best player in the league," Elizabethton manager Jeff Carter said. "He can handle the bat. He has good hands, a good arm. He can run."